Mm. Funnell et al., PARTICIPATION IN A DIABETES EDUCATION AND CARE PROGRAM - EXPERIENCE FROM THE DIABETES CARE FOR OLDER ADULTS PROJECT, The Diabetes educator, 24(2), 1998, pp. 163-167
There is very little reported information concerning the participation
of older adults in diabetes education and care programs, factors rela
ted to their attendance, and the influence of attendance on program ou
tcomes. In this study, which was part of a larger study of insulin the
rapy, subjects (greater than or equal to 65 years old) assigned to the
intensive management group (n=53) were provided with educational sess
ions during the 18-month study period Data for this group were examine
d to determine factors that influenced enrollment and attendance. Atte
ndance rates for individual participants averaged 72% during the first
6 months and 68% during the subsequent 12 months. Demographic factor,
baseline knowledge test scores, and baseline glycosylated hemoglobin
levels did not significantly influence participation. Greater distance
from the clinic and shorter time using insulin were significantly rel
ated (P=.05) to attendance. Perceived benefits of the program included
diabetes education (45%), glucose control (23%), and interacting with
others who have diabetes (23%).